I’ve Never Been to Vegas but My Luggage Has

Wrong turns, humiliating flops, painful heartbreaks—and happiness? Yes, believe it or not, they can go hand in hand.

Blogger and author Mandy Hale, affectionately known as “The Single Woman” to her half-million social-media followers, is living an adventurous life that proves even our lowest lows and messiest mess-ups can point us toward our joy-filled destiny as single women.

In I’ve Never Been To Vegas, But My Luggage Has, Mandy delivers heart-to-heart, often hilarious stories from a life filled with love and loss, glamour and goose bumps, faith and friendship, big dreams and battle scars. She shares the bittersweet euphoria of her high-school romance, the panic-stricken cluelessness of her first day on a stressful job, and the foot-in-mouth horror of her red-carpet interview with a music legend.

Along the way, Mandy dollops personal anecdotes with encouraging insights. From thrilling first kisses to crushing break-ups, from soaring career milestones to promising flights that never quite got off the ground, she unfolds in often uproarious detail the zigzags along the path toward a pinnacle moment: sharing a table and a pinch-me-I’m-dreaming conversation with her lifelong hero.

In the end, Mandy turns Sin City’s infamous marketing slogan on its head: What happens in her life doesn’t stay in her life. She shares even her darkest moments in witty, winsome ways that make us not only feel her pain, but also laugh with her and apply her hard-won nuggets of inspiration to our own lives.

“Happily Ever After” might not look or feel quite like what we expect, but as Mandy is discovering—and as we can discover along with her—it is well within our reach.

You love Mandy from page one. It’s rare to be this sweet, compelling, and funny all the way through while also being this insightful about life. We are in love, Mandy Hale—but we’re seeing someone at the moment.

Greg Behrendt, Greg Behrendt, New York Times best-selling author, He’s Just Not That Into You and It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken and former script consultant for Sex & the City; and Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt, co-author, It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken (and fabulous wife to Greg)

Your story is such a Romans 8:28 story—“And we know all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord.” He took your pain and used it to inspire, encourage, and lead others to walk in their purposes, as you are walking in yours!

Sherri Shepherd, Sherri Shepherd, actress, comedian, and host, ABC’s The View

Move over Carrie Bradshaw. Here comes Mandy Hale! I’ve Never Been to Vegas, but My Luggage Has is a wonderfully-crafted “coming of singleness story” that will entertain and inspire all seekers of true love and faith.

Daniel Goddard, Daniel Goddard, actor, The Young and the Restless

The Single Woman message has been a blessing! Mandy lets you know that it’s okay to be single and to work on YOU! Empowering! Encouraging!

Michelle Williams, Michelle Williams, singer/songwriter, producer, actress, and member of Grammy-winning Destiny’s Child

Mandy Hale’s wit and southern-girl charm will disarm you, but don’t let it fool you! She’s got a mean left hook of depth and substance that will quickly get your attention. She is a fresh and relevant voice whose message to her generation is beautifully woven throughout the pages of her own life, a product of her own adventures, triumphs, failures, fresh starts, false starts, tears, and laughs.”

Jon Acuff, Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author of Start and Quitter

The Single Woman message isn’t just about being solo and loving it. It’s about being a better human all around—something we should all aspire to!

Estelle, Estelle, Grammy-winning singer/ songwriter, rapper, and producer

Reading Mandy Hale’s story feels like riding shotgun with a close girlfriend who is on the ride of her life, discovering and growing from the purpose in every twist, turn, and bump in the road. I love the vulnerability Mandy shares from her own life. The journey truly is the destination.

Natalie Grant, Natalie Grant, Grammy-nominated singer/ songwriter and founder of Abolition International

With this book, Mandy gives the most amazing perspective on the ups and
downs of life. And in an often hilarious way, she lets us know we are not on this journey alone. This is, hands down, on my short list of favorite books!

Melinda Doolittle, Melinda Doolittle, recording artist, author, and finalist on season 6 of American Idol

As a pastor of a church with a lot of singles, I can say that Mandy Hale is a brilliant storyteller who adds a fresh and energetic voice to the needs and wants of single women. When you read this book, you will laugh, be encouraged, and learn that God’s love is woven into the tapestry of every great story, including yours and mine.

Pete Wilson, Pete Wilson, senior pastor, Cross Point Church, and author, Plan B and Let Hope In

It is such a great adventure and pleasure to be part of Mandy Hale’s world. Her book provides comfort and hope that in the midst life’s ups and downs there are giggles and redemption. A memoir that is also a great self-help book for anyone who needs uplifting!

Dodinsky, Dodinsky, New York Times best-selling author, In the Garden of Thoughts

If you’re ready for an adventure into your own heart and soul and if you’re ready to be challenged, become more courageous, and realize that the journey—not the destination—is the best part of life, you need to read Mandy Hale’s I’ve Never Been to Vegas, but My Luggage Has. Simply put, this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

Wendy Griffith, Wendy Griffith, co-host, The 700 Club

What I love about The Single Woman message is it empowers single sisters (such as myself) to embrace, appreciate, and grow during our single times. Mandy’s wisdom and sense of humor make her nuggets of truth both life-changing and easy to digest! I am so thankful for the role she has played in my life!

Mandisa, Mandisa, Grammy-nominated Christian recording artist

If you’ve ever felt too flawed, too weak, or too inadequate to be used by God, Mandy’s story is for you. Her journey is proof that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be available. A wonderful reminder for any single woman (or man) that there is more than one way to Happily Ever After, and if you are willing to hand the pen over to God, He’ll write an infinitely more beautiful story for your life than you could ever imagine.

Lisa Osteen Comes, Lisa Osteen Comes, author, You Are Made For More!

Strong, grounded, on point and real! A must-read for every sister who wants to walk this walk victoriously!

Michelle McKinney-Hammond, Michelle McKinney-Hammond, Emmy Award–winning talk show host and best-selling author

I love The Single Woman message because it gives you permission to feel okay about being single. And not just okay—confident! Mandy inspires me to take care of me, to not settle, and to expect the best from love and life. As a single woman, it’s vital to embrace and love yourself, and Mandy’s books inspire you and challenge you to do just that!

Lisa Valastro, Lisa Valastro, reality star, TLC’s Cake Boss

I started out reading Mandy’s memoir feeling like I was looking through a window, watching her every move, and empathizing with her. It didn’t take long before that window somehow turned into a mirror, and then it felt like I was reading about myself. Mandy’s truth is hers, but I think everyone will find a piece of themselves in it as well. Heartfelt, honest, and entertaining.

Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, award-winning country music singer/songwriter and producer

As a professional matchmaker, a key ingredient to building a successful partnership is starting with two whole, complete, healthy people. Mandy’s message is all about empowering and motivating single women to become all that they’re meant to become, independent from a relationship so that they invite love into their lives to complement rather than complete them. This book gives women permission to enjoy the journey to Happily Ever After, even as they look forward to the destination. Perfect for the woman (or man) who needs a reminder that happy single life helps create the foundation of a happy married life.

Paul Carrick Brunson, Paul Carrick Brunson, cohost, OWN’s Love Town and professional matchmaker

I’ve Never Been to Vegas, but My Luggage Has is an inspiring story about growth, self-acceptance, faith, and redemption that’s relatable to women of all walks and stages of life. Anyone who reads it will come away with a better understanding of where she’s been, comfort for where she’s going, and contentment in knowing she’s where God wants her to be. You’ll want to give this book to every woman you love!

Nikki Woods, Nikki Woods, senior producer, Tom Joyner Morning Show and CEO, Nikki Woods Media

Mandy’s real-life story of her stumbles, disappointments, and mountaintop moments are beautifully transparent and filled with hope and humor. Combine the warm coffee talk of Friends with the zany moments of I Love Lucy, all laced with non-judgmental, godly wisdom, and you have Mandy’s new book. I was so caught up in her story; I began reading it during stop lights! When I finished, I felt encouraged that I was not the only one still struggling to “get it right,” and that God does indeed have endless grace for His children!

Elisa Jones, Elisa Jones, manager of philanthropy, Eastern Territories—K-Love radio
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Something wonderful is on the horizon
Life doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. In Mandy’s upcoming book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is, you’ll find encouragement to live in the moment, sit with your experiences, and trust God with the unknown.
Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off and free shipping!*
*US shipping only
Something wonderful is on the horizon
Turn Toward the Sun CoverLife doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. In Mandy’s upcoming book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is, you’ll find encouragement to live in the moment, sit with your experiences, and trust God with the unknown.
Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off and free shipping!*
*US shipping only